Port-au-Prince, Haiti — As armed violence escalates in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area, reports of gender-based violence, especially against women, are surging. In response to this alarming trend, the Pan American Health Organization and the World Health Organization are collaborating with the Ministry of Public Health and local partners to address the urgent needs of those affected.
The pain and fear experienced by many in Haiti are palpable. One survivor, 35, shared her struggles, stating that her children are her only reason for holding on amidst the trauma she has faced, including rape and assault often at the hands of armed gangs. She represents one of many internally displaced individuals affected by this crisis. Data from the Ministry for the Status of Women indicates nearly 6,500 incidents of gender-based violence were documented in 2024 alone, with a grim rise to 1,250 reported within the first two months of 2025. Humanitarian organizations caution that these figures likely underreport the true scale of the violence, as fear, stigma, and isolation hinder many from seeking help.
To combat this harrowing increase in violence, PAHO and WHO, supported by the United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund and the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, are implementing a comprehensive response. This initiative includes the deployment of trained psychologists and social workers to areas hosting displaced persons, offering critical psychosocial support and counseling to women and girls who have suffered from sexual violence.
The collaborative effort also involves three local women’s organizations—Kay Fanm, SOFA, and Fondation TOYA—which have been instrumental in building trust within communities. Their presence facilitates the identification of victims and provides ongoing support through a challenging care process. One survivor emphasized the importance of this local support, stating that through TOYA, she found a beacon of hope that helped her manage her thoughts of suicide.
Further enhancing healthcare response capabilities, nine health facilities in severely affected areas will receive essential medical equipment to treat cases of sexual violence, including gynecological examination tables and rape kits. Additionally, 50 health professionals will receive training to improve the quality of care, aligning with gender-sensitive protocols tailored to meet the needs of survivors.
This coordinated approach aims not only to address immediate medical needs but also to confront the broader societal silence surrounding sexual violence. Efforts to restore dignity to women and girls are seen as crucial by health representatives. Dr. Oscar Barreneche, the PAHO/WHO representative in Haiti, highlighted the urgency of the situation, declaring it a collective responsibility to ensure that every woman and girl subjected to violence receives compassionate, respectful care.
As Haiti grapples with this ongoing crisis, the commitment of health organizations and local partners seeks to break the cycle of violence and empower survivors, fostering hope in a community that desperately needs it.